XL Hybrids Inc., a connected fleet electrification solutions provider for commercial and municipal fleets, says it has received California Air Resources Board (CARB) approval for aftermarket hybrid electric vehicle (EV) conversions for gasoline-powered Ford Transit cargo vans and passenger wagons.
According to XL Hybrids, this approval covers model years 2015, 2016 and 2017.
This news follows XL Hybrids’ previous announcement that the company received CARB approval on General Motor cargo vans and wagons.
In addition, CARB approved XL Hybrids’ converted Ford Transit vans and wagons to qualify for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).
As reported, California fleets can receive $2,500 vouchers for each Ford Transit van or wagon upfitted with XL Hybrids’ XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for up to 100 vehicles per fleet. The second 100 vehicles per fleet will receive $2,000 vouchers for each upfitted Ford Transit van. XL Hybrids conversions for CARB-compliant GM vans and wagons also qualify for the HVIP.
Clay Siegert, co-founder and CEO for XL Hybrids, says, “Our XL3 Hybrid System is especially effective for fleets in metropolitan settings with vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. XL3-equipped Ford Transits can provide fuel economy improvements and sustainability benefits for many California businesses and organizations.”
According to XL Hybrids, its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System increases miles driven per gallon by approximately 25%. The company says the system works in the background without impacting fleet operations, as it does not require driver training or charging or fueling infrastructure.
Offering point-of-sale incentives for clean trucks and buses in California, the HVIP helps fleet and vehicle owners shift to trucks and buses that reduce emissions, fuel consumption and support California’s clean climate goals. Fleets operated by public, private and nonprofit organizations are eligible, notes the company.